The unit falls under the 53rd TMG, based out of Eglin AFB, Fla. With approximately 10 Airmen, it manages MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Operational Test and Evaluation and Force Development Evaluation for Air Combat Command. The 53rd TMG Det. 4 provides operational expertise to developmental test and evaluation for new sensors, weapons, hardware, and software upgrades, to include developing operational procedures and training aircrews and maintainers.

The new detachment's role entails the planning, execution and reporting of tests--owning each one from initial preparation to making field recommendations to warfighters.

"I'm proud to stand up with this detachment, as the realignment adds a lot of value and efficiency to the game plan," said Major Turner. "The OT&E and FDE functions are significant to warfighters as the need for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations is very real. We're working closely with operators validating and ensuring they deploy with the best weapon systems possible."

The 53rd TMG Det. 4 evolved from the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Detachment 4, currently operating the MQ-1 Predator at Creech. Program managers, and flight test analysts and engineers make up the new unit, with pilots and sensor operators remaining with the 53rd TMG Det. 4's sister organization, the 53rd TEG Det. 4.